LearnChemE

Entropy: Screencasts

Introduces the second law of thermodynamics and describes some reversible and irreversible processes.

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Derives equations to calculate entropy changes for an ideal gas as temperature and pressure change.

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Derives equations to calculate entropy changes for liquids and solids and for phase changes. 

We suggest you list the important points in this screencast as a way to increase retention.

Optional screencast: How to Calculate Entropy Changes: Mixing Ideal Gases

Another optional screencast discusses continuous cycles and entropy.

Important Equations:

Definition of entropy change:

ΔS=dQrevT

only true for reversible heat transfer (Q)and must use absolute temperature, T

Entropy change for a phase change:

ΔS=ΔHT

where ΔH is the enthalpy change for the phase change and T is the absolute temperature at which the phase change take place.

Entropy change (per mole of mixture) of mixing ideal gases at constant temperature and constant pressure:

ΔS=Ryilnyi

where R is the ideal gas constant, and yi is the mole fraction of component i in the gas phase.

Entropy change per mole for an ideal gas where initial state s P1,V1,T1 and the final state P2,V2,T2:

ΔS=CPln(T2T1)Rln(P2P1)

ΔS=CVln(T2T1)+Rln(V2V1)

where the heat capacities (CP,CV) are constant.

Entropy change for liquids or solids when temperature increases from T1 to T2 :

ΔS=CPln(T2T1)

where CP is the heat capacity, which is assumed constant for a liquid or solid. Absolute temperature must be used in this equation. At most pressures, the entropy of liquids or solids does not change significantly when the pressure changes.